Confederates Try to Save Remnants of the Savannah Squadron-- Part 1

DECEMBER 21ST, 1864:  The Confederate Navy continued vigorous efforts to save the remnants of the Savannah squadron still at the city on the eve of its capture.  On 10 December Commander Thomas Brent of the CSS Savannah, ordered the torpedoes in Savannah Harbor removed in order that his vessels might fight their way to Charleston, S.C..

As Brent later reported to Flag Officer Hunter: "...after every endeavor he found that with all the appliances at his command, grapnels, etc., he was unable with the motive power of the boats to remove any of them, the anchors to which they are attached being too firmly embedded in the sand...."

--Old B-Runner

CSS Water Witch Burned

DECEMBER 19TH, 1864:  The CSS Water Witch, captured from the Union on June 3, 1864 in a daring attack, was burned by the Confederates in the Vernon River near Savannah, in order to prevent her capture by Sherman's troops who were getting mighty close to the city by then.

The USS Princess Royal captured schooner Cora off Galveston with cargo of cotton.

--Old B-Runner

Confederate Forts in Savannah's Outer Defenses Captured

DECEMBER 14-21ST, 1864:  Union gunboats supporting general Sherman's advance aided in the capture of Forts Beaulieu and Rosedew in Ossabow Sound, Georgia, the outer defenses of Savannah.  Wooden steamer USS Winona, USS Sonoma and mortar gunboats shelled the forts until they were abandoned 21 December.

The Winona's log entry for that date: "At 10:05 saw the American Ensign flying on Fort Beaulieu.  Ships ; captain left in gig and proceeded up to the fort."

--Old B-Runner

Sherman Arrives Near Savannah

DECEMBER 12TH, 1964:  Rear Admiral Dahlgren wrote to President Lincoln, reporting news of the greatest importance to the Union:  "I have the great satisfaction of conveying to you information of the arrival of General Sherman's near Savannah, with his army in fine spirits....  This memorable event must be attended by still more memorable consequences, and I congratulate you most heartily on its occurrence."

The value of seaborne supply to Sherman was inestimable.  His army switched from rail logistics in Chattanooga to sea logistics on the Atlantic.

Getting In On the Glory.  --Old Secesh

Confederate Naval Defenses at Savannah As Sherman Approached

DECEMBER 3, 1864: As Union pressure on Savannah increased, the Savannah Squadron, under Captain W.W. Hunter, CSN, played an increasing role in the defense of the city and the important railroad above it.

This date, Hunter wrote Lt. Joel S. Kennard of the CSS Macon:  "The Charleston and Savannah Railway Bridge at the Savannah River is a very important point to defend, and, should it become necessary, endeavor to be in position there to defend it.

"In order to do so, and also to patrol the Savannah River, watch carefully the state of the river, and do not be caught aground or be cut off from the position of the bridge."

--Old B-R'er

Naval Brigade Engages at Honey Hill, S.C.

NOVEMBER 30TH, 1864:  Naval Brigade, composed of 350 sailors and 150 Marines from ships of the South Atlantic Blockading Squadron and commanded by Commander George H. Preble joined an Army action at Honey Hill, near Grahamville, South Carolina.

In order to aid General Sherman in his march toward Savannah, Major General Foster had proposed to Admiral Dahlgren a campaign up the Broad River to cut the Charleston-Savannah Railway and establish contact with Sherman.

Preble organized an artillery and two naval infantry battalions to operate with the Army, and they were landed at Boyd's Landing on Broad River on 29 November.  Sailors and Marines played a vital role in the ensuing Battle of Honey Hill on 30 November, after which they entrenched on the Grahamville Road.

General Foster then decided with Dahlgren, who accompanied the brigade as far as Boyd's Landing, that the main thrust should come up the Tulifinny River toward Pocotaligo.

--Old B-Runer